It was fun remixing and layering my family heirlooms (the diadema), the necklace that made me want to become a metalsmith (Ibo island filligree), and my jewelry I made (floral chain maille necklace and acrylic slice stud earrings).
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
I've got a shingle now
A while back our neighbors J and K asked if I was excited to put my shingle up, and I had no idea what they were talking about. Apparently it's a (well-known?) expression that means you are opening your own business, putting a sign out that has your name on it.
So I have a shingle now. It is very beautiful, and my logo and map background I designed match the colors of the building which is a surprise I find really pleasing.
The inside of the building came together, too, and is so perfect. The space is elegant, full of light and flowers (not to mention jewels and objects!), and it transmits such a good energy. The showroom bears my name, but it is really about the work of many, many people. From Rico building me the most beautiful display furniture and workstation, to Emi and Carolyn's pieces, to Matt's photos, to Jenn's packaging, to my mom's flower design, to the contractors' many talents, to my awesome landlords…everything came together.
And of course the encouragement and support of the many people I hold near and dear, and the many communities I am lucky to be part of: family, childhood friends, development world friends, school friends, local friends and neighbors, CCA, the jewelry/metals community, my fellow Point Richmond business owners, blog friends…the list goes on and on, and that excites me more than anything. I feel surrounded by people who want to see me happy, who want to be part of this big leap forward.
Here are a few photos from our grand opening last weekend. It was a grand success. Thank you.
So I have a shingle now. It is very beautiful, and my logo and map background I designed match the colors of the building which is a surprise I find really pleasing.
The inside of the building came together, too, and is so perfect. The space is elegant, full of light and flowers (not to mention jewels and objects!), and it transmits such a good energy. The showroom bears my name, but it is really about the work of many, many people. From Rico building me the most beautiful display furniture and workstation, to Emi and Carolyn's pieces, to Matt's photos, to Jenn's packaging, to my mom's flower design, to the contractors' many talents, to my awesome landlords…everything came together.
And of course the encouragement and support of the many people I hold near and dear, and the many communities I am lucky to be part of: family, childhood friends, development world friends, school friends, local friends and neighbors, CCA, the jewelry/metals community, my fellow Point Richmond business owners, blog friends…the list goes on and on, and that excites me more than anything. I feel surrounded by people who want to see me happy, who want to be part of this big leap forward.
Here are a few photos from our grand opening last weekend. It was a grand success. Thank you.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Sunday, December 01, 2013
What my life has looked like lately
I feel like I'm living in a beautiful washing machine, a thousand tumbles and a hectic pace amid color and texture and wonder.
Showroom opens in 6 days.
My mom (and Studio Belvedere) lost a good girl along the way, but she is looking upon us from a land of cookies, walks, and amethysts until we meet again.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
GRAND OPENING Ali Amaro | Art Jewelry & Objects
Pinch me, y'all. It's finally happening. After four intense years of preparation, I am opening a showroom for my jewelry and sculptural work.
The grand opening is December 7th from 4-6pm. I wish you could all be here to celebrate with me!
If you're not in the Bay Area, new pieces will be available on the Ali Amaro website starting in late November.
Now back to work on graphic design, display tables, lighting, inventory selection and about 1,000 other details as we head into the final stretch of showroom preparations!
Thursday, September 05, 2013
A Showroom to Call Home
Ever since graduation in May, I have been wishing for a showroom space where I can meet with clients and display my jewelry work. I wished for a space in Point Richmond, ideally with an affordable lease starting in September.
Lo and behold, the universe delivered the opportunity and I hustled to make it happen.
I am incredibly excited for this next step. I wish all of you could join me for champagne and jewels at the grand opening in late November.
Stay tuned for updates!
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
a rose by any other name...
Reason #127 why I decided to go with "Ali Amaro" over "Alexandra Amaro" for my jewelry work:
Google "Alexandra Amaro", go to Images, and tell me what catches your eye.
Oh yeah. She's been at the top of the search results for YEARS. Jewelry will never beat bikini and boobs.
Funny story: the other day I was at a meeting trying my best to be professional and impress a certain magazine editor. He kept making strange comments about my "muscles". I thought I didn't get it because he's a foreigner and maybe something was lost in translation. Then, after the fourth comment, when he struck a model pose to illustrate, it hit me:
He had googled Alexandra Amaro. He had seen the image results. AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS ME. I tried to convince him otherwise to no avail.
On the flip side, google tells me that "Ali Amaro" is a prize-winning doberman. I'll take being confused with that bitch any day.
Google "Alexandra Amaro", go to Images, and tell me what catches your eye.
Oh yeah. She's been at the top of the search results for YEARS. Jewelry will never beat bikini and boobs.
Funny story: the other day I was at a meeting trying my best to be professional and impress a certain magazine editor. He kept making strange comments about my "muscles". I thought I didn't get it because he's a foreigner and maybe something was lost in translation. Then, after the fourth comment, when he struck a model pose to illustrate, it hit me:
He had googled Alexandra Amaro. He had seen the image results. AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS ME. I tried to convince him otherwise to no avail.
On the flip side, google tells me that "Ali Amaro" is a prize-winning doberman. I'll take being confused with that bitch any day.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Ali Amaro in SOMA Magazine!
Louboutin, pain-free waxing, repurposing pioneers, and awesome leggings: these are my varied neighbors in the Style category in SOMA Magazine's most recent issue, on the digital edition.
My work has been included in the july/aug Film and Music edition of SOMA Magazine! This was a long-awaited chance to say 'YES' to something.
It is exciting to feel ready. To have a website, a print portfolio, the experience of my senior show. A way to speak to non-jewelry people about what I want to do, what I want to make. Saying 'YES' has been about preparing for a moment I always knew would come, but had no idea in what form or venue or timing.
Seeing SOMA for the first time a few months ago, I thought it was a good match for my work. I never imagined an article would actually become reality so quickly - just two months after graduation. It made me very, very glad that I worked so hard to "get ready", despite the craziness of school, despite not really knowing what I wanted to do for most of that time.
After nearly four years of constant, very hard technical apprenticeship and emotional growth I have gained a lot. I have learned so much about myself through becoming a metalsmith and being back in school. I learned about what makes me stressed and unhappy, and about what makes me fulfilled and happy. I learned how to recognize falsely tempting paths, to spot them well before they cause me problems. I feel like I've GOT IT.
It felt good to say yes, hopefully the first of many (amid equally frequent no's).
Here is a link to the digital version of the article: http://www.somamagazine.com/section/style/
My work has been included in the july/aug Film and Music edition of SOMA Magazine! This was a long-awaited chance to say 'YES' to something.
It is exciting to feel ready. To have a website, a print portfolio, the experience of my senior show. A way to speak to non-jewelry people about what I want to do, what I want to make. Saying 'YES' has been about preparing for a moment I always knew would come, but had no idea in what form or venue or timing.
Seeing SOMA for the first time a few months ago, I thought it was a good match for my work. I never imagined an article would actually become reality so quickly - just two months after graduation. It made me very, very glad that I worked so hard to "get ready", despite the craziness of school, despite not really knowing what I wanted to do for most of that time.
After nearly four years of constant, very hard technical apprenticeship and emotional growth I have gained a lot. I have learned so much about myself through becoming a metalsmith and being back in school. I learned about what makes me stressed and unhappy, and about what makes me fulfilled and happy. I learned how to recognize falsely tempting paths, to spot them well before they cause me problems. I feel like I've GOT IT.
It felt good to say yes, hopefully the first of many (amid equally frequent no's).
Here is a link to the digital version of the article: http://www.somamagazine.com/section/style/
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Photos by the Bay
Another great photoshoot with my jewelry and some gorgeous girls I'm happy to call friends.
Jewelry: Ali Amaro
Photos: Ali Amaro
Models: Shushan and Barbara
on location in Point Richmond, CA
Monday, May 27, 2013
Origins and Routes BFA Thesis Show
My senior show was everything I could have hoped for: a feeling of personal satisfaction, praise from my colleagues and teachers, lots of family and friends in attendance.
Here is the portfolio of work from Origins and Routes. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way!
Slowly but surely I am updating my website, Alexandra Amaro, with images and back stories on all the Origins and Routes work. There will also be select pieces available for purchase in my online shop, so check back soon for that!
Here is the portfolio of work from Origins and Routes. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way!
Slowly but surely I am updating my website, Alexandra Amaro, with images and back stories on all the Origins and Routes work. There will also be select pieces available for purchase in my online shop, so check back soon for that!
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